More than 20 Islamic scholars from all around the world are expected to participate in a joint event which will include the 7^th International Milaad-un-Nabi Conference, and an Islamic Conference on the subject: ISLAM – Meeting the challenge of the 21^st. Century.

As we move closer to the 21^st. century a number of important issues will be faced by Islam and Muslims. These include: (1) the relevance and the role of Islam in the modern world. (2) What can we as an ummah learn from the lessons of the past century. And, (3) what framework of Islamic thinking and ideas should we adopt to accept the challenges of the next century so that Islam becomes the moral, intellectual and spiritual force for all to appreciate and come to terms with.

These issues will be discussed by highly qualified and well known Islamic scholars of our time such as Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani Siddiqui, Prof. Shah Faridul Haque, Prof. Abdullah Botchway, Shaikh Hisham Kabbani, Prof. Hasan-ud-Din Hashmi and other eminent scholars.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the moral and spiritual personality of our Sayedul ‘Alameena Muhammad-ur –Rasululaah salalaahu alahi wa salam at the 7^th. International Milaad-un-Nabi Conference and how to establish a living

and dynamic relationship with him as our guiding force. A special two hour session is reserved for naats and qasidas to be rendered by famous naat-khawns and personalities from Pakistan, UK, Lebanon and Canada.

All Muslim brothers and sisters are invited to attend and participate in these events where a number of important resolutions will be passed and adopted as the agenda for many Islamic organisations worldwide. These resolutions will form the basis of our activities and priorities for the next few years and their successful implementation will ultimately depend on your interest and support. The presence, therefore, of you; our leaders, volunteers, brothers, sisters and students to participate in these events cannot be over-emphasised.

Please call the organizers (WIM) for more information or reservation of seats. There is no admission fee for the conference and meals will be provided. Please note: there is a special fund-raising dinner reception at Masjid Noor-ul-Haram with the visiting delegates on Fri. 30^th. July. The price to attend is $100.00 per family and $30.00 for singles, where you will be given a chance to meet with scholars and delegates attending the conference.

Within the past two years we have witnessed the emergence of a number of new masajid and institutions in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver established by the Ahl Sunna. And all indications are that this trend will continue to take place as more ulama and masha’aikh take up residents in this part of the world. As the Ahl Sunna wal Jamaat becomes more publicly active the perception of mainstream Islam is also moving towards the middle road. Whereas before the image of what is mainstrem Islam was being shaped by groups with certain ideological agendas, we are now finding that there is a change in attitude amongst some national bodies. As stated by Dr. Sultan Muniruddin, Secretary General of the Canadian Islamic Council (CIC), " CIC will be willing to accommodate the Ahl Sunna and its needs as a group."

However, there are a number of other options which the Ahl Sunna as a whole needs to consider. Br. Saleem Khan, President of The Sunni Muslim Academy of Vancouver states, "The time has come for us to make our own decisions and not to rely on others to do so for us. We need to co-ordinate our efforts in terms of building of masajid and schools and responding to events. We need a national sunni council and have yearly meetings to decide on the issues affecting the Ahl Sunna in Canada." This same sentiment is also echoed by Naib Isa Abdul Haque al-Qadri of the 815 Bloor St. Dawah Centre. Maulana Qaz

Bashiruddin Farooqui of Guelph, Ontario also expresses similar opinion, "such institutions are not only needed, they are vital for the development of Islam".

Meanwhile, Br. Hafiz Khan, President of the West Island Ahl Sunna Masjid in Montreal states, "We are willing to work with World Islamic Mission and to establish a branch in Montreal so that we may co-ordinate our efforts." Shaikh Abdul Wahid Mende, head of the Tijaniyya tariqat in Toronto states, "we will gladly work under the banner of World Islamic Mission to bring about unity of the umma."

A word of caution, however, was sounded by Shaikh Syed Mumtaz Ali, President of the Canadian Muslim Society who stated at the annual gathering of the tariqats at Masjid Ghousia in Port Union, Ont. last December, "I believe the time is not yet right for such an organisation."

The formation of a national sunni muslim organisation is inevitable. The question is what is the best time for the launching of this body and who will be willing to dedicate their already limited time and resources towards the running of such an organisation.

Before I bring proof to substantiate my position, allow me to begin by stating that it is absolutely lawful to commemorate the birth of Rasululaah (saw) with the gathering of people to listen to his seerah, recite poetry about him, enjoy food, and allow happiness to enter into their hearts.

We admit it is not a sunnah to commemorate Milaad an-Nabi on a particular night, and one who argues this is indeed mubtada' in matters of din, for to remember Rasulallah (saw) lovingly should be something done at all times. Of course, in the month of Rabi al-Awwal, we feel a greater feeling and desire to commemorate his birth. Therefore, it is not surprising that many do so in this month, mainly quietly and within.

Encouraging Milaad-un-Nabi offers a tremendous opportunity for daw'aa of Allah Subhana wa T'ala, and it should not be forsaken. In a milaad celebration scholars and speakers should remind the people about the character, history and manner of worship of our beloved prophet. They should advise and guide the people to the best example. There is extensive proof that contributes to the lawfulness of Milad-un-Nabi:

1. The commemoration of Milaad-un-Nabi offers and explains the excellence about the prophet (saw). Even the kafir (unbelievers) can benefit from this occasion. Bukhari narrated in his Sahih: On each Monday Allah lightens his (Abu Lahab) punishment, as he gave freedom to his servant Thuawaibah on the night she gave him the news of the birth.

5. The Milad includes a remembrance of his birth, miracles, seerah; all things which we have been commanded to learn. More so, we have been told to follow Rasuallah (saw) in his deed, sayings and miracles.

6. If Rasulallah (saw) guided us from darkness to light, ignorance to knowledge, disbelief to belief, we should offer some reward to him for this deed, at the very least a commemoration of his birth.

7. Milaad offers the audience knowledge of the characteristics of Rasulallah (saw) and his miracles, and the signs proceeding his birth. These invite one to believe in Rasulallah (saw) and encourage love for him, as it is in the nature of human beings to be naturally grateful.

8. To respect Rasulallah (saw) is an order from Allah. From this respect, we acknowledge his birth and are happy about this day, and help the needy for his sake.

9. Allah said about Yaum al-Jummu'ah: Allah makes a record of this day. It is here that Allah created Adam (AS). Hence the characteristics of dignity afforded this day is due to the birth of His prophet Adam (AS), and we suggest a similar analogy for the birthday of Rasuallah (sallah llahu alayhi wa salaam). We know Rasulallah (Allah llahu alayhi wa sallam) is the highest of Allah's messengers.

10. All of the Ulama agree about the commemoration of Milad-un-Nabi and we find hadith from lbn Abbas: If a Muslim sees something good, it is good for Allah.

11. Allah said in Qur'an: 'All that we relate to thee of the stories of the messengers – with it, we make firm thy hearts: in them there come to thee the Truth, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe." (Qur'an 11:120)

That is to say, Allah discusses with you about previous prophets to strengthen your hearts and increase your faith. From this wisdom the stories of the prophets are told to increase faith and give strength to the hearts of the believers.

Fund Raising Dinner events were held in April and May in which funds for Masjid Noor-ul-Haram was raised. On both occasions approximately $5000.00 were raised in donations and pledges. A special thanks to our sisters who worked very hard to prepare the meals for these occasions. On the far left Br. Hassan Bukhari chairs one of the programs and on the right Maulana Abdus-Shakoor Dulloo delivers a speech.

Well known and respected member of our Muslim community, Dr. Hashim Ahmed received the Civic Award of Recognition from the city of Mississauga on Nov. 24^th. 1998. Dr. Hashim Ahmed who is also a member of World Islamic Mission (Canada) received this award for his more than 20 years service to the community. Mayor Hazel McCallion hosted the award event which was held at the Council Chambers. Civic Recognition Evenings have been held by the City of Mississauga bi-anually since 1992. Nominated by Mississauga residents, the awards are given to outstanding individuals who have made an impact at the national or international level in a variety of activities, as well as volunteers who have devoted 10 or more years to community service.

Dr. Hashim Ahmed holds a doctorate in education and has devoted countless hours to organisations like the Lions Club, Peel Multicultural Council, and NAIC. He has also assisted the children and youths of Mississauga as the president of Peel Halton Parent Childrens’ Council and Director of Square One Youth Council.